Nachwuchsprogramme

SDG Youth Programme

With a bachelor's or professional degree in hand, get your first work experience with an international NGO or social enterprise.

Do you often think about how your actions can drive systemic change? Have you ever wondered how international NGOs and social enterprises work to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

In 2023, the SDG Youth Programme is offering five one-year trainee positions, each in a different organisation, partly in Switzerland and partly abroad.

SDG Youth Programme

Why this programme

Do all the jobs you apply for require experience, even entry-level ones?

Your difficulties in gaining first work experience are exactly what motivated us, the Mercator Foundation Switzerland and cinfo, to create this programme. We want to offer young people an insight into the professional field of international cooperation, with international NGOs and social enterprises.

Take this opportunity to...

  • Develop your expertise and contribute to finding solutions to current and future challenges,
  • Discover your own motivation for international cooperation and the SDGs,
  • Facilitate your future career in this field,
  • Learn from experienced colleagues within the host organisations,
  • Transfer newly acquired knowledge and skills back to the Swiss labour market and society,
  • Be remunerated for your work (paid traineeship).

Opportunities list

Agroforestry & Reforestation Trainee

Apply by 16 July 2023
Job details

CEAS

First month in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, then 10 months in Toamasina, Madagascar

Trainee Green Skills & Jobs

Application is now closed
Job details

Swisscontact

First 2-3 months in Zurich, Switzerland, then 9-10 months in Maputo, Mozambique

Sport & Play Project and SDG Impact Measurement Trainee

Application is now closed
Job details

SA4D

First in Biel-Bienne, Switzerland, then in Lira, Uganda

Trainee: Change Action Promotion in solid waste management

Application is now closed
Job details

Skat Foundation

First month in St Gallen, Switzerland, then 6 months in Bogota, Colombia, then 5 months back in St Gallen

Climate Resilience and Energy Management Trainee

Application is now closed
Job details

IDE-E

First 6 months in Lausanne, Switzerland, then 6 months in sub-Saharan Africa

Minimum requirements

  • The SDG Youth Programme is open to Swiss nationals or C permit holders.
  • You have a bachelor's degree (university or FH/HES), or an advanced federal diploma of higher education, or a federal diploma of higher education.
  • You don't yet have any relevant work experience in international cooperation.
  • You have a strong interest and motivation to contribute to the SDGs.

Our current/past trainee testimonials

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Any questions?